With legal services in a constant state of technology-driven evolution, Austria-based Legal Tech Hub Europe is trying to revolutionize the legal industry by fostering innovation and embracing the digital future. Partners from Dorda, E+H, Herbst Kinsky, and Schoenherr – four of the five firms spearheading the hub – talk about the initial set-up of the LTHE and its milestones over the last six years.

In September 2022, CEE Legal Matters reported on Bulgaria’s outstanding legislative packages caused by three parliamentary elections being held in the span of eight months. Nearly two years later, Hristov & Partners Partner Dragomir Stefanov, Kambourov & Partners Partner Veronika Hadjieva, Penkov, Markov & Partners Associated Partner Nikolay Voynov, Peterka & Partners Partner Plamen Peev, and Schoenherr Bulgaria Co-Head of Real Estate Elena Todorova discuss the progress made after the extended legislative hiatus.

Although 2024 is just beginning, below we have summarized the trends and projects expected to have an impact on the development of the real estate market in Bulgaria:

Schoenherr has advised Euro Real Estate Holding on the indirect acquisition of the City Tower Vienna via United Benefits Holding from Immofinanz. Reportedly, Jank Weiler Operenyi advised Immofinanz and Wolf Theiss advised UniCredit Bank Austria.

E+H has advised PAI Partners on the acquisition of VAMED Group's rehabilitation business from Fresenius. Schoenherr, working with Latham & Watkins, advised the sellers. Reportedly, Willkie Farr & Gallagher, Novacos, Baer & Karrer, KNPZ Rechtsanwaelte, and Havel & Partners advised on the deal as well.

Schoenherr has advised Bank Pekao and Santander Bank Polska on PLN 300 million financing to Eneris Group.

Schoenherr has advised the owners of ITgma on the sale of a majority ownership stake to Modirum.

The first comprehensive Slovak foreign direct investment (FDI) screening regime entered into force on 1 March 2023. Now that the first year of this new FDI regime is behind us, below we summarise the key takeaways based on our practical experience with this law.

It has been a long time coming and is among the most requested changes in criminal procedure law. Finally, on 24 April 2024, the Austrian government presented a draft bill aimed at increasing the contribution to legal costs for suspects acquitted in criminal proceedings. While it is a giant step forward, serious doubts remain about whether it goes far enough.

Cytowski & Partners has advised Collabwriting on its USD 1.1 million seed financing with Smok Ventures, Credo Ventures, Fiedler Capital, Underline Ventures, Startup Wiseguys, and several CEE angel investors. Schoenherr reportedly advised Collabwriting as well. San Diego-based Komorowski PLLC reportedly advised lead investor Smok Ventures.

Schoenherr, working with Dorsey & Whitney, has advised building software provider Eleco on the full acquisition of Vertical Digital.

Domokos Neagu Sarbu has successfully represented Alpiq in a tax dispute with the Romanian tax authority in a case that ultimately required the input of the Romanian Supreme Court.

Former Soltysinski Kawecki & Szlezak Senior Counsel Szymon Czerwinski has joined Schoenherr in Poland as a Partner to lead the firm's Tax team.

Schoenherr has successfully represented Societatea Energetica Electrica in a long-term contentious administrative case with a stake worth EUR 46 million against Romania's state and public resource management auditor.

Schoenherr has advised Grupa Zywiec on executing a conditional agreement to sell the Lezajsk brewery to Mycofeast. Rymarz Zdort Maruta advised Mycofeast.

Boyanov & Co recently announced that Borealis' acquisition of Integra Plastics (reported by CEE Legal Matters on December 8, 2023) had closed on March 29, 2024.

In The Debrief, our Practice Leaders across CEE share updates on recent and upcoming legislation, consider the impact of recent court decisions, showcase landmark projects, and keep our readers apprised of the latest developments impacting their respective practice areas.

From 28 March 2024, businesses operating in Hungary will be required to offer services by the state-owned enterprise Hungarian Post ("Magyar Posta") as a delivery option for consumers using their online stores. The text of the new provision is concise and has raised several questions.